Hey there, let’s talk about something really important – Gender-Based Violence, or GBV for short. You know, it’s crazy how often we still hear about women and girls being harmed, simply because of their gender. It’s like, shouldn’t we be past this by now?
GBV extends beyond physical violence; it includes emotional, psychological, and financial control. It’s the constant belittling, gaslighting, and isolation. It’s the restriction of freedom, the denial of education and economic opportunities, and it’s not limited to intimate partner violence; it’s also sexual harassment, stalking, and human trafficking.
The stats are staggering. One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. That’s someone you know, someone you love, and it’s not just women; men can be victims too.
But here’s the thing: GBV isn’t solely a women’s issue; it’s a human issue. We all need to be part of the solution. We need to start by believing survivors, listening to their stories, and creating safe spaces for them to speak out.
Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF) is working tirelessly to address GBV. With funding support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), RHHF is implementing programs to strengthen GBV prevention and mitigation responses for vulnerable populations in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
Through this initiative, RHHF provides comprehensive GBV case management, psychosocial support and counseling services to survivors, legal services for those who would want to access justice, basic medical care for survivors, 24/7 toll free line services, dignity kits, safe shelter, safety and security, as well as referrals to secondary and tertiary institutions, other partners, or the government for complex services like blood transfusion, cesarean section etc. that are not provided in the one-stop centers.
RHHF also empower community leaders to promote gender equality and challenge harmful norms, strengthen referral pathways for GBV cases, and Build capacity of healthcare providers to respond to GBV
We need to support organizations like RHHF and UNFPA while amplifying their efforts. It’s essential to challenge harmful norms and stereotypes, promote healthy relationships and consent, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
It’s time to break the silence, to end the shame and stigma. Let’s create a world where everyone can live free from fear and violence. A world where equality and respect are the norm.
